2024 was undoubtedly a strong year for African music. From January to December, fans across genres were consistently treated to noteworthy projects and moments from its biggest and brightest stars (think Wizkid returning with his highly-anticipated album, and Morayo and Tyla’s first Grammy win).
On the commercial side, Sub-Saharan Africa recorded the fastest revenue growth among all seven regions, as captured in a report by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI). It was the only region to surpass 20 percent growth.
Amidst these strides on a global scale, the wheels did not stop turning for artists existing beyond the confines of the mainstream. With experimental releases, both newcomers and seasoned names created space for genre-defying moments in the music scene. Below, we reflect on some of the best songs that redefined the notions of what African music is expected to be.
In no particular order…
Though the Ivorian music industry long centered the gaiety coupé décalé, its drill scene has taken shape and witnessed a significant rise, attributable in part to the lofty efforts of fast-rising acts like Himra. 2024 was certainly a notable year for the rapper, who is being touted as the King of Ivorian drill. He released his 25-track album, JEUNE & RICHE, to wide acclaim, sold out the Palais de la Culture in Abidjan, and is currently vying for the Best Newcomer trophy at the 2025 TRACE Music Awards.
On “Banger,” from JEUNE & RICHE, he spares no feelings as he takes on his doubters and naysayers, letting them know that his success is a result of his talent and hard work.
While Yinka Bernie’s work as a producer has garnered him widespread acclaim thanks to tracks like Amaarae & Moily‘s Billboard chart-topping single, “Sad Girlz Love Money,” he continues to prove himself as an artist to watch. 2024 saw the release of his experimental R&B EP, What Happens After, featuring the Mick Jenkins-assisted standout track, “Streets.”
With its slick bounce (courtesy of production by SuperJazzClub member Øbed), and Bernie’s signature subdued tone, “Streets” is a compelling number reminiscent of the early days of contemporary Nigerian music – experimental, laid-back, and gratifying.
Off her debut project, Cape Verdean singer, Sonia Sousa shared the soulful single “Dam”. The track employs raw and honest emotions from the artist as she navigates the trials of love, longing, and heartbreak.
A debut year is often a tricky and monumental phase in the careers of many artists as they seek to define their sonic identity. For rising fusion artist Rigo Kamp, the vision was clear. Listeners were to be transported into his funk-filled fantasy via his two-pack debut, Summer/Morning Sun. The Odunsi (The Engine)-produced “Morning Sun” showcases Kamp’s flair for marrying the familiar motif of 80s funk with the fervour of innovative soul music. It’s no wonder that his rather succinct attempt landed him a position as one of Apple Music’s Up Next artists, solidifying him as one to watch in 2025.
Regarded as the “Ghanaian Tracy Chapman,” indie pop artist Baaba J, alongside Seeyoh, brings her unique cultural elements to the genre on “Runaway.” This introspective track appears on Baaba J’s 6-track EP, In Pursuit of Happiness, which explores longing for freedom, joy, beauty, and the sublime aspects of the human experience. Sitting at the midpoint of the project, “Runaway” taps into the essence of Chapman’s 1988 folk hit, “Fast Car.”
Ever the dynamic duo, singer-songwriter Tay Iwar and producer Le Mav have a track record of creating timeless moments in music. Among several collaborations as emerging names in the industry, 2019 saw the release of Gold, their first joint project. Fast forward five years and several accolades (including a Grammy nomination) later, the two returned with Gold II, offering a mesh of amapiano, Afrobeats, and R&B. It’s here that the standout track, “Rock Steady,” takes root with captivating dance fusion.
On the eponymous joint project with Brazilian trio Grupo Cosmo, French-Senegalese singer anaiis shared her reflections on birth and her journey to motherhood on the soulful single, “Honeydew.” Describing the track as the “heart of the album,” “Honeydew” is a breezy number as tender as its subject matter, with anaiis’s soft vocal inflections pushing through.
Conversations on the subject of innovative experimentation would be incomplete without mentioning the Aybeats-produced “Naija Funk” by Psycho YP and Azanti. Featured on their joint project, YP & Azanti, Vol. 2, P, “Naija Funk” answers the question: “What happens when you blend Brazilian baile funk with Afropop?” The fusion of these distinct genres creates a dynamic and unexpected sound, showcasing the artists’ ability to push boundaries and experiment with sonic textures. The track sees the Apex Village members taking turns reflecting on a past relationship. “I should have done you better,” Azanti soliloquizes.
For Pa Salieu, 2024 was quite the busy year. With a number singles and the eventual release of his highly-anticipated album, Afrikan Alien, the British-Gambian rapper was determined to return to music like he never left. To close out the year, he joined British electronic music duo, Disclosure, to put his spin on UK-garage music via the heavy-hitting single, “King Steps”.
With the release of The Gawd EP, Nigerian rising rap sensation SGaWD brought some heat with the pulsating, “Dump All Your Worries On The Dance Floor”, a track as beguiling as its title. Right off the bat, SGaWD is as confident as ever declaring “You have never met a bitch this fly”, over delectable deep house production by Grammy nominated producer, GMK.
© Copyright Rolling Stone Africa 2024. Rolling Stone Africa is published by Mwankom Group Ltd under license from Rolling Stone, LLC, a subsidiary of Penske Media Corporation.
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